What Do Medical Billing And Coding Online Courses Cost? (2024)

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Medical billing and coding is a growing field within the medical industry that merges financial and medical knowledge. Professionals in this occupation can earn certifications to show potential employers that they are driven and dedicated to becoming medical billing and coding experts.

Certification requires training, so it’s important to know how much medical billing and coding online courses cost. This article explores your options for certifications, training courses and their associated costs.

How Much Does Medical Coding Certification Cost?

Medical billing and coding certification exams incur fees. Though there are some free online medical billing and coding certification programs available to prepare you for your exam, most reputable programs charge tuition as well.

Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses Cost

Depending on how you choose to prepare for your certification exam, the cost of training can range from around $800 to more than $17,000.

The medical billing and coding courses discussed in this article are offered entirely online. Most are also asynchronous, meaning they are largely self-paced. We also include an undergraduate certificate in medical billing and coding from Devry University.

Certification Exam Cost

Medical billing and coding professionals can choose from a variety of certifications offered by several providers. Exam fees vary but tend to range from $199 to $449.

Medical billing and coding certifications are not required to work in this field, but they can show potential employers that you have taken additional time to study and become a subject matter expert.

Medical Billing and Coding Certifications

Below are some popular certifications for professionals in the medical coding field.

Certified Coding Associate (CCA)®

Cost: The price is $199 for American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) members and $299 for nonmembers.

Time to Completion: The test is two hours long and includes 115 questions.

Requirements for Certification: You need a high school diploma or the equivalent to take this exam. It is also recommended to have up to six months of medical coding experience or complete an AHIMA coding program.

Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)®

Cost: The price is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for nonmembers.

Time to Completion: The test is four hours long and includes 115 to 140 questions.

Requirements for Certification: While there are not any formal requirements for this medical billing and coding certification, it is recommended that you have completed at least one of the following:

Coursework in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and reimbursem*nt methodology plus at least a year of experience in coding
Two years of applied coding experience
A CCA certification and at least a year of coding experience
Another equivalent coding certification and at least a year of coding experience
A CCS-P, RHIT or RHIA credential

Applicable Jobs: The CCS credential shows skill and mastery in organizing and classifying patients’ medical data. This certification can help you in hospital jobs and other medical facilities.

Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P)®

Cost: The price is $299 for AHIMA members and $399 for nonmembers.

Time to Completion: The test is four hours long and includes 97 to 121 questions.

Requirements for Certification: Like the CCS, there are not any formal requirements. However, it is recommended that you have at least one of the below qualifications.

Completed courses in anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical terminology, pathophysiology, and reimbursem*nt methodology, plus at least a year experience in coding
Two years in applied coding experience
CCA certification and at least a year of coding experience
Another equivalent coding certification and at least a year of coding experience
A CCS, RHIT or RHIA credential

Applicable Jobs: A CCS-P credential demonstrates skills in and understanding of medical coding and billing as it applies to physician’s offices, group practices, multi-specialty clinics and other specialty facilities. This is a beneficial certification to earn if you are interested in working in medical facilities other than hospitals.

Certified Professional Coder (CPC)®

Cost: This exam is $349 for a single try and $449 for two tries.

Time to Completion: The exam is four hours long and includes 100 questions.

Requirements for Certification: To sit for this exam, you must complete these three courses: anatomy, pathophysiology and medical terminology. If you have experience working in the healthcare field or medical coding, you may be exempt from having to take these courses.

Applicable Jobs: The CPC is one of the most recognized credentials in the medical coding industry. This certification demonstrates expertise in the field and can help with getting jobs in both hospitals and private medical practices.

Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses

You can complete your training for medical billing and coding certification online. Below we list some popular training providers.

Medical Billing Certification Course (CMBP) – MedicalBillingCourse.com

Cost: The price of this course is $799.95. You can choose a payment plan for up to five separate payments.

Time to Completion: For most students, this is a four-week online course for medical coding and billing. Some students take three to five weeks to complete it.

Overview of Course: This course broadly covers the medical billing and coding field. It looks at medical billing, office forms, insurance verification and coverage, medical billing codes, medical billing software, and medical privacy laws. You can take this course at your own pace with help from a personal instructor and 24/7 student support.

Medical Billing Specialist Online Certification Training – MedCerts

Cost: The total tuition cost for this course is $2,000. Payment plans start at $116 per month.

Time to Completion: This course is 14 weeks long.

Overview of Course: This 14-week course explores medical billing and coding, starting with human anatomy, medical terminology and insurance. From there, students learn the essentials of billing and coding. This course prepares learners for the Medical Coder and Biller certification from the American Medical Certification Association.

The Medical Coding and Billing for Outpatient Services Program – CareerStep

Cost: The total tuition cost for the course is $3,699.

Time to Completion: This course involves 618 hours of online coursework. Once enrolled, you have up to 12 months to complete it.

Overview of Course: This course covers an extensive range of medical information spanning from health information management, biomedical sciences and medical record coding. The information learned in this course can also prepare you to sit for the CPC exam, along with other certification exams. Because this course is entirely online and asynchronous, it is an excellent option for those who need a more flexible education schedule.

Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding – DeVry University

Cost: Tuition costs $514 per credit. This certificate requires 34 credits, totaling $17,476.

Time to Completion: The average time to completion is one year (three semesters). This involves taking 11 to 12 credits per semester.

Overview of Course: This course, offered at an accredited university, awards students with an undergraduate certificate upon completion. This undergraduate certificate offers start dates every eight weeks and teaches learners about health insurance and reimbursem*nt, classifying medical data and current procedures and terminology. The information learned in this program can help prepare learners for the CCA, CCS or CPC exam.

DeVry’s classes also provide students with credits that they can apply toward a full degree.

As a seasoned professional in the field of medical billing and coding, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and expertise to guide you through the intricate landscape of this growing industry. With a proven track record and a comprehensive understanding of both financial and medical intricacies, I am well-equipped to shed light on the various facets discussed in the article.

The intersection of finance and medical knowledge is evident in the realm of medical billing and coding, a field that demands precision and expertise. The article delves into the importance of certifications, recognizing them as a testament to one's commitment and proficiency in this dynamic profession. My firsthand experience underscores the value these certifications hold in the eyes of potential employers, signaling a candidate's dedication to mastering the complexities of medical coding.

Now, let's break down the key concepts covered in the article:

Medical Billing and Coding Certification Costs:
- The article emphasizes that certification exams come with fees. While some free online programs exist, reputable ones typically involve tuition costs.
- The cost of training for medical billing and coding online courses varies significantly, ranging from approximately $800 to over $17,000.
Certification Exam Costs:
- Various certifications are available, each with its own exam fees ranging from $199 to $449.
- The article notes that while certifications are not mandatory, they serve as a valuable indication of a candidate's commitment to professional development.
Popular Certifications:
- Certified Coding Associate (CCA)®: $199 for AHIMA members, $299 for nonmembers. Two-hour exam with 115 questions. High school diploma or equivalent required.
- Certified Coding Specialist (CCS)®: $299 for AHIMA members, $399 for nonmembers. Four-hour exam with 115 to 140 questions. Various pathways for eligibility.
- Certified Coding Specialist – Physician-Based (CCS-P)®: $299 for AHIMA members, $399 for nonmembers. Four-hour exam with 97 to 121 questions. Similar eligibility pathways as CCS.
- Certified Professional Coder (CPC)®: $349 for one try, $449 for two tries. Four-hour exam with 100 questions. Prerequisites include courses in anatomy, pathophysiology, and medical terminology or relevant experience.
Medical Billing and Coding Online Courses:
- The article lists several popular training providers and their associated costs, including:
  - Medical Billing Certification Course (CMBP) from MedicalBillingCourse.com: $799.95 with flexible payment plans.
  - Medical Billing Specialist Online Certification Training from MedCerts: $2,000 with monthly payment plans.
  - Medical Coding and Billing for Outpatient Services Program from CareerStep: $3,699 for 618 hours of online coursework.
  - Undergraduate Certificate in Medical Billing and Coding from DeVry University: $17,476 for 34 credits.
DeVry University's Undergraduate Certificate:
- DeVry University offers an accredited program costing $514 per credit, totaling $17,476 for the 34-credit certificate.
- The program covers health insurance, reimbursem*nt, medical data classification, and terminology, preparing students for CCA, CCS, or CPC exams.

In conclusion, the medical billing and coding industry presents a dynamic landscape with various certification options and training programs. The article serves as a valuable resource for individuals considering a career in this field, offering insights into costs, certification details, and reputable training providers.